🔗 Share this article Rory McIlroy Holds Tied Lead As He Closes In On Dubai Championship Rory McIlroy recorded five birdies in his third round DP World Tour Championship Third-Round Leaderboard -13 R McIlroy (NI), R Neergaard-Petersen (Den); -12 A Ayora (Spa), L Canter (England), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng), T Hatton (England), R Hojgaard (Denmark) Selected others: -11 L Aberg (Swe), N Hojgaard (Den), J Rose (England); -10 S Lowry (Ire), R MacIntyre (Sco); -8 J Parry (England); -4 M Penge (Eng) The world-class golfer secured three birdies over the closing stretch to claim the joint lead at the tournament finale edging closer to his seventh year-end tour championship crown. McIlroy recorded a four-under-par 68 in the United Arab Emirates, in a performance including five birdies with one bogey to move to 13 under, joining Danish golfer Neergaard-Petersen. England's Laurie Canter (68), Fitzpatrick (66), Tommy Fleetwood (68) along with Hatton (67) sit at 12 under, together with Spain's Ayora (67) and Danish competitor Rasmus Hojgaard (65). "Overall, a bit of a battling day," commented McIlroy. "Weather conditions were tricky enough yet happy to shoot my score." The 36-year-old has a 767-point lead at the top of the annual standings as he pursues his fourth straight tour championship crown. Tyrrell Hatton and fellow Englishman Penge are the only two capable of preventing the Northern Irishman from claiming the annual championship. Hatton must win the tournament and have his rival finish worse than tied for eighth to secure the title. "My position is stronger than him [Hatton]," added the tournament leader. "My focus is on my game. If I play and play the golf at the level that I'm capable of, especially around this golf course, I know that I'll succeed. "It would be a fantastic manner to conclude the year." Penge carded an improved 68 in round three after scores of 74 and 70, but looks out of contention on four under.